The Microtia Clinic

The Microtia Clinic at Children’s Hospital Colorado welcomes children from birth to 21 years of age as new patients. The microtia team cares for the whole child – not just the condition. We are the only clinic dedicated to caring for kids with microtia conditions in the state of Colorado. At the Clinic, patients and their families get answers to questions about appearance, hearing loss, treatments and everyday life.

What is microtia/atresia?

Microtia and atresia affect how an ear looks and works. Children born with one or both of these conditions may have a smaller than normal ear and/or hearing loss.

Compassionate care for the entire family

At Children’s Colorado, treatment for microtia centers on the entire family, because differences in appearance and hearing loss affect more than the patient. Dr. Kelley and team talk through family concerns, like a mother’s fears about her effect on the child during pregnancy.

“Even though we know scientifically that microtia and atresia conditions are not the mother’s fault, it is hard to convince the mother’s heart. She needs a good support system to remind her of these facts.”

Dr. Peggy Kelley, MD

What to expect at your visit to the Microtia Clinic

Audiologist Dr. Hedman talks and plays with patients after Clinic.

At the Clinic, families discuss their child’s health needs and wishes with a team of microtia specialists. We offer treatment options and a unique plan for each patient. Appointments last two to three hours.

After meeting with our specialists, families meet and talk with each other about:

Children and families visit the Clinic every one or two years to learn about new research and to talk with each other. Regular visits support kids with microtia as they grow up and start to make personal choices about their ears and hearing. Visits also build confidence when kids talk with other families in a safe environment about growing up with microtia.

Why choose the Microtia Clinic at Children’s Colorado?

Early intervention empowers families

Experts in the Microtia Clinic see kids with microtia/atresia when they are infants, or as early as possible.

Seeing a specialist early:

Provides families with counseling

Enables patients to make choices about his/her ear

Introduces families to other children and adults with microtia/atresia